Ashes 2017/18 - 4th Test Preview - Melbourne

Well, the Ashes have been regained by Australia, after a massive innings victory over England, in Perth, and they are now 3-0 up in the five match series with two games to play in Melbourne and Sydney over the festive season.

One can’t help seeing anything other than a 5-0 whitewash for Cricket Australia as the England batting line up, barring some great performances by Dawid Malan and Jonny Bairstow in the last Test, has been disappointing to say the least.

With most online cricket betting companies, the 4th Test between Australia vs England cricket betting odds will have Australia odds on favourites to win the match and go 4-0 up in the series. However, with only pride now to play for the England team, can they manage to dig deep and turn things around? (You can keep up to date with all the latest news and live scores on our Ashes 2017/18 section)

The Ben Stokes saga is still ongoing and although he is getting some winter exercise, in New Zealand, he won’t be playing in an England shirt any time soon.

Alastair Cook - People are already talking about the end for Alastair Cook. But who can replace him? Nobody leaps out at me at the moment and I personally think he’s got some big scores left in him – keep Cook and hope he can turn it around.

Joe Root – He has not scored the runs expected and whether the Captaincy has taken its toll or not, England need Root to score big for England to win matches and series – score big Rooty.

Not being able to get Steve Smith out early is a real problem. England have their best bowlers out there and there doesn’t seem to be anyway through his defence and, like all great batsmen, he seems to have all the time in world to make his shots - perhaps try bowling underarm?

Problems off the field for England have seemingly taken the headlines over actually how good Australia are on the field. England needs to focus 100% on the field to get back to winning ways.

Changes for England - I think the England selectors may bring Mason Crane in and possibly Mark Wood, if Overton is still injured.

Changes for Australia – I imagine Australia are extremely happy with the balance of their team and I do expect any changes unless there are some injuries.

So, on balance, England have a small chance of coming back in the 4th Test against Australia, however, I won’t be betting on them to win in Melbourne in front of a 90,000 strong partisan crowd.